GLOWing

Few things require more work, patience or planning than teaching.

Except for maybe Camp GLOW. (Guys and Girls Leading Our World.)

Each year this Peace Corps original gathers nearly 100 promising learners from across Namibia’s 13 regions, for a week-long exercise in leadership. One that uses teamwork to develop critical thinking skills, and encourages communication and self-esteem while building trust.



The logistics required to bring dozens of learners from home to Windhoek can be a nightmare. And keeping just as many kids focused and on task can be insane. But it’s an experience that, in some ways, is as meaningful for the PCVs as it is for the students. Partly because we can see change as it happens.

Sure, GLOW may not be unique by American standards. Field trips to the Capitol or universities, teambuilding activities like the trust fall, future planning, and candid conversations about sex and relationships are nearly commonplace in the States.



But here in Namibia, where group activities are rarely part of the classroom and learning often consists of copying lessons from the board, GLOW in a novel concept. It provides kids from different tribes, who speak different languages and who come from very different backgrounds, with the opportunity to actively solve problems and overcome challenges.

Together.

Maybe it doesn’t sound like much. Not in the face of alarmingly low pass rates or an extremely high prevalence of HIV. But when the girl with the softest voice stands before her peers and finally, with confidence, shouts her story out loud, it’s immediate evidence of positive change.



And when—five days into camp—a learner given the nickname “Nobody” by his teachers, asks instead to be called “Somebody”—well, it’s difficult for anyone to argue experiences like GLOW don’t have a lasting impact.

Not just for the learners. But for us volunteers, too.